מָאַס (ma.as)
ma.as
to reject; to flow
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 59 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb maas primarily means to reject or despise. It describes a firm refusal to accept something as valuable or acceptable. In the Old Testament, this word often appears when people turn away from God’s commands or when they scorn those who are weak. The sources note that it carries a strong sense of disdain, going beyond simple disagreement to active rejection.
This meaning is clear in passages like Isaiah 53:3, where the suffering servant is described as despised and rejected by men. Jeremiah also uses it to describe Israel’s unfaithfulness when they reject the covenant relationship with God. The word appears frequently in Job as well, often reflecting human frustration or divine judgment.
The Niphal form of this verb has a different meaning: to flow or run. This secondary sense likely comes from the idea of something being poured out or cast aside. While less common than the primary meaning, it shows how Hebrew words can develop related but distinct uses over time. Most translations render maas as "reject" or "despise," capturing its forceful nature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word maas carries a heavy weight of refusal. It is not merely a disagreement or a simple preference for something else. Instead, it describes a firm rejection of what God has offered or commanded. When people use this word in Scripture, they are often turning away from covenant loyalty with disdain. This creates a painful distance between the believer and their Creator.
Yet the story does not end with human rejection. In 1 Samuel 15, we see Saul rejected for his disobedience, yet God continues to work through new leaders like David. The text reminds us that while we may reject God’s ways, He remains faithful to His promises. Even when we fail, His grace is not easily broken.
This word invites us to examine our own hearts. Do we treat God’s commands as burdens to be cast aside? Or do we value His wisdom above our own desires? The path of faith requires us to accept what He offers, trusting that His plans are better than our fleeting preferences. May you find peace in knowing that your worth is not defined by your ability to never stumble.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 59 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you have rejected7×
- they have rejected5×
- I reject4×
- he has rejected3×
- and/ he rejected3×
- you will reject2×
- you reject2×
- to reject2×
- he rejects2×
- and/ they rejected2×
- and/ he has rejected/ you2×
- I will reject2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָאָ֔סוּ3×
- מָאַ֣ס2×
- מָאַ֗סְתָּ2×
- אֶמְאַ֗ס2×
- תִּמְאָֽס\׃1×
- תִּמְאָ֔סוּ1×
- תִּמְאָ֑ס1×
- תִמָּאֵ֖ס1×
- תִ֭מְאַס1×
- נִמְאָ֗ס1×
- נִמְאָ֔ס1×
- מוֹאֵ֣ס1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 15:23
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected Yahweh’s word, he has also rejected you from being king.”
This verse links the act of rejecting God's word directly to the serious sin of rebellion, showing how spiritual pride leads to a broken relationship with leadership.
-
Leviticus 26:44
Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly and to break my covenant with them; for I am Yahweh their God.
Here God promises that despite Israel's repeated rejection of His statutes, He will not ultimately abandon them, highlighting the depth of divine mercy over human failure.
-
I Samuel 10:19
But you have today rejected your God, who himself saves you out of all your calamities and your distresses; and you have said to him, ‘No! Set a king over us!’ Now therefore present yourselves before Yahweh by your tribes and by your thousands.”
The people are confronted for rejecting their deliverer God in favor of a human king, illustrating how desire for control can lead to spiritual abandonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word maas mean?
How is maas different from other words for hate?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (59 verses across 13 books)
Leviticus 3 verses
and if you shall reject my statutes, and if your soul abhors my ordinances, so that you will not do all my…
Leviticus 26:43The land also will be left by them, and will enjoy its Sabbaths while it lies desolate without them; and they will…
Leviticus 26:44Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to…